Method and apparatus for generating and utilizing a compound plasma configuration

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for generating and utilizing a compound plasma configuration is disclosed. The plasma configuration includes a central toroidal plasma with electrical currents surrounded by a generally ellipsoidal mantle of ionized particles or electrically conducting matter. The preferred methods of forming this compound plasma configuration include the steps of forming a helical ionized path in a gaseous medium and simultaneously discharging a high potential through the ionized path to produce a helical or heliform current which collapses on itself to produce a toroidal current, or generating a toroidal plasmoid, supplying magnetic energy to the plasmoid, and applying fluid pressure external to the plasmoid. The apparatus of the present invention includes a pressure chamber wherein the compound plasma configuration can be isolated or compressed by fluid or other forms of mechanical or magnetic pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for forming,manipulating and utilizing matter in the plasma state, and moreparticularly to a method and apparatus for forming, manipulating andutilizing a compound plasma configuration including a toroidal centralplasma with electrical current surrounded by a generally ellipsoidalmantle of ionized particles.

2. Description of the Prior Art:

Since the present invention is in the field of high energy plasmaphysics and is intended to provide a step forward in the search fortechniques to maintain controlled thermonuclear reactions, it isbelieved that a brief discussion of recent developments in thethermonuclear reactor field would be appropriate.

In essence, to achieve nuclear fusion it is necessary to heat a smallquantity of fusion fuel above its ignition point, isolate the heatedfuel charge from its surroundings long enough so that the release offusion energy exceeds the input of heat energy, and finally convert theenergy released into a useful form. The well known problem that isencountered in attempting to achieve nuclear fusion resides in the factthat relative kinetic energies of 10KeV or more are required to causefuel particles to fuse. This energy translates to a 100 million degreekinetic temperature, creating a need for magnetic confinement of thefusion plasma.

The problem that has prevented satisfactory containment of plasmas bymagnetic fields is the inherent instability of the plasma confined inmost field configurations and the end losses created by fielddiscontinuities. As a result of the instability and end loss problems,devices existing in the past have been unable to attain a sufficientlyhigh Nτ product to attain fusion. According to the Lawson criteria, theNτ product must be greater than 10¹⁴ sec per cm³, implying confinementtimes of between approximately 0.1 and 1.0 seconds for steady-statereactors. Even the most advanced prior art devices, such as the Tokomak,have been unable to attain confinement times of the proper order ofmagnitude required by the Lawson criterion. Laser or "micro explosion"devices have similarly failed to achieve time density products anywherenear that required by the Lawson criterion. More extensive analyses ofprior art devices may be found in the following articles:

Bishop, Amasa, "Project Sherwood: U.S. Program In Controlled Fusion,"Addison Wesley Publishing Company, Reading, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 1958;

Post, Richard F. "Prospects for Fusion Power," Physics Today, Vol. 26,April, 1973, pp. 30-38;

Tuck, James L. "L' Energie de Fusion," LA Recherche, vol. 3, October,1972, pp. 857-872.

Gough, William C. and Eastlund, Bernard J., "The Prospects of FusionPower," Scientific American, Vol. 224, No. 2, PP 50-64, 1971.

In view of the failure of previously existing systems and techniques toachieve satisfactory confinement of fuel plasmas, and in view of thefact that previous devices have generally consisted of minor variationson a few basic techniques of plasma confinement, it is believed that aneed exists for a novel approach to the problems posed by nuclearfusion, and in particular it is believed that a need exists forutilization of a novel plasma configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of this invention is the provision of novelmethods for producing a unique compound plasma configuration.

Another object of this invention is the provision of novel apparatusesfor producing a unique compound plasma configuration.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of novel methodsfor manipulating and utilizing a unique compound plasma configuration.

Another object of this invention is the provision of novel apparatusesfor manipulating and utilizing a unique compound plasma configuration.

Briefly, these and other objects of the invention are achieved bydischarging a high energy voltage through a fuel atmosphere ionized in ahelical path to form a helical current path. This helical currentsubsequently develops into a toroidal current forming the kernel of acompound plasma configuration. The high temperature energy of the plasmakernel ionizes the surrounding atmosphere to develop a mantle of chargedparticles surrounding the plasma kernel which is susceptable tocompression by mechanical forces. The apparatus for carrying out thesesteps also includes a system for applying fluid pressure to theresulting compound plasma configuration for the purpose of compressingthe plasma mechanically. Alternative method and apparatuses are alsodisclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first step in the method of thepresent invention showing the general ionization of an atmosphere andespecially in a helical path;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second step in the method of the presentinvention showing the current discharge and associated plasma magneticforces in the vacuum region along the ionized path of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the magnetic field couplingof adjacent turns produced by the discharge illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a toroidal current and itsassociated unconstrained poloidal magnetic field;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal toroidal magnetic fieldand poloidal surface currents produced in a plasma torus;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a compound plasma configuration of a plasmamantle-kernel configuration (PMK) illustrating the internal poloidalmagnetic field of the PMK:

FIG. 7 is a partially cut-away schematic diagram of a possible variationof PMK of FIG. 6 illustrating the poloidal currents in the mantle andthe internal toroidal magnetic field produced by the toroidal currentkernel;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of anapparatus for performing the method of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of anapparatus for performing the method of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of anapparatus for performing the method of the present invention;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the followingdefinitions of terminology used in this application are provided:

a. The kernel consists of plasma torus, poloidal and toroidal currents,and the corresponding toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields.

b. The mantle is a conductor of matter or a plasma capable of trappingand compressing the external magnetic fields of the kernel or heliformplasma. The mantle may be the physical interface between the matter inwhich the PMK is embedded and the kernel fields.

c. The kernel plasma and mantle are spacially separated by a vacuousregion and usually differ in temperature.

d. The mantle surrounds and encloses the kernel external magnetic fieldssubstantially without gaps.

e. The compound plasma connotes at least two spacially separated anddistinct plasma or conducting bodies such as are found in the plasmamantle kernel configuration which interact through electromagnetic ormagnetic fields impinging on each body.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and moreparticularly to FIG. 1 thereof, a first step in the method of thepresent invention is schematically illustrated. An atmosphere of gaseousdeuterium 10, or some equivalent material suitable for producing a highenergy plasma, is created in a region between a pair of high voltageelectrodes 12 and 14. The electrodes 12 and 14 are coupled to a suitablehigh voltage source 16. A source of ionizing energy 18 is oriented toproject or focus ionizing energy into an area of, for example, thedeuterium atmosphere 10 in the region between the electrodes 12 and 14.The projected ionizing energy is preferably formed or focused into asubstantially helical path so that a generally helical region of ionizedparticles 20 is formed between the electrodes 12 and 14. When the highvoltage potential generated by the source 16 is applied acrosselectrodes 12 and 14 by closure of a switch 22, the high voltagepotential difference between the two electrodes will result in adischarge through the atmosphere 10 following the ionized path 20. Theresult will be the formation of a helical current stroke 24 asillustrated in FIG. 2. The extremely high rise time of the currentstroke 24 resulting from the high magnitude of the potential differencebetween the electrodes 12 and 14 causes a sufficiently rapid build up ofmagnetic energy so as to explosively displace the ionized gassurrounding the channel. This force results in the creation of a lowpressure or substantially-evacuated region 26 surrounding the helicalcurrent stroke 24. Similarly, the high power and high temperatureradiation of the current stroke 24 also result in the formation andmaintainance of an ionized boundary layer or mantle 28 which forms aninterface between the atmosphere 10 and the semi-evacuated region 26. Inaddition to the shock expansion of the ionized gas due to the high risetime current stroke 24 produces an intensification of ionization at themagnetic and ionized gas boundary or mantle 28.

The helical path followed by the current stroke 24 is important becauseof its magnetic properties. Although the discharge path may consist of asingle loop, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, the current stroke 24usually includes a plurality of loops, only two of which are illustratedat 30 and 32. Each of these current loops produces magnetic fieldrepresented in FIG. 3 by lines of flux 34. The magnetic fields producedby the various current loops couple together, drawing the current loopstogether into a single toroidal current loop 36, illustrated in FIG. 4.The toroidal current loop 36 becomes the plasma kernel of the compoundplasma structure formed according to the present invention. The plasmakernel 36 produces a poloidal magnetic field around it, as illustratedby the flux lines 34.

FIG. 5 illustrates in greater detail the dynamic energy configuration ofthe plasma kernel 36, showing in particular a circular surface current38 which circulates about the minor axis of the toroidal kernel. Thesurface current 38 results in a toroidal magnetic field within the heartof the kernel 36, represented by the flux lines 40. The production ofthis surface current occurs in much the same manner as the production oftoroidal current described above. To realize this, consider the collapseof a compound helical plasma current path. Such helical shapes are foundin certain light bulb filaments.

Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be recalled that an ionized layer ormantle 28 is formed around the current stroke 24, before it collapsesinto the toroidal kernel 36. As the toroidal kernel 36 is formed, theportions of the current stroke on either side of the helical or loopedportion dissipate rapidly, as do the mantle portions associated withthese non-looped portions of the current stroke. As a result, the mantle28 tends to collapse into a generally ellipsoidal shape surrounding thekernel 36, substantially as shown in FIG. 6. The compound plasmaconfiguration shown in FIG. 6 will be designated theplasma-mantle-kernel configuration, or PMK 42. This configuration is asubstantially stable one in that the high current of the hot kernel 36exists in a vacuum and thus does not dissipate rapidly. The kernelcurrent also produces a strong poloidal field, represented by the fluxlines 34, supporting the ionized particles in the mantle 28, therebypreventing the mantle from collapsing into the low pressure, low densityregion within. The mantle 28 is prevented from expansion, however,because the pressure of the internal poloidal field reaches equilibriumwith the fluid pressure of the external medium. Alternatively, themantle may be composed of any other sufficiently electrically conductingmediums which can be used to trap the kernel fields and could beutilized to compress the fields of the kernel.

FIG. 7 illustrates a poloidal current 44 which circulates around themantle 28 and threads through the center of the toroidal kernel 36,following the flux lines of the poloidal field generated by the kernel36. The poloidal current 44 results in the formation of a toroidal fieldwithin the low pressure region 26, as illustrated by flux lines 46. Thesum of the toroidal and poloidal fields shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,respectively, is not shown. However, the intermixing of the poloidal andtoroidal fields is important and is related to the stability parameterknown as the Kruskal-Shafranov limit. The long-time stability of thisconfiguration is aided by the fact that the ratio of poloidal andtoroidal current components changes in time within certain limits. Thisis due to the different respective components of toroidal and poloidalconductivities and magnetic energies which decay in value at differentrates. This is conventionally known as dynamic stabilization.

The initial energy used to form the helical ionized path may take anyone of many forms. For example, X-ray energy can be used, as canelectron or ion beams. Furthermore, conventional corona dischargeequipment can be used, as can laser energy. An extremely powerfulflashlamp and an optical focusing system can also be used to produce thehelical ionized path. Other techniques for forming the helical ionizedpath include a wire of Li⁶ or LiH₃ ² which can be explosively energizedby the application of an extremely high current or voltage. A gas vortexwith a heliform rarefaction channel can also be used, as can certaininstabilities of linear discharges which cause heliform channels.Naturally, numerous additional techniques are within the realm of thoseskilled in the art for forming the ionized helical path.

In forming the kernel 36 of the PMK 42 as described above, it wasexplained that the initially helical current discharge collapses into asingle toroidal loop configuration. This collapsing of the current andcertain magnetic interactions results in the formation of the circularsurface currents 38 which flow about the minor radius of the toroidalkernel 36, producing the toroidal field 40 and stabilizing the kernelconfiguration. The poloidal currents 44 flowing on the surface of themantle 28 may in some cases be formed automatically by perturbations inthe fields produced by the initial formation of the PMK. On the otherhand, such currents can be induced by triggering a second dischargebetween the electrodes 12 and 14, threading through the open center ofthe toroidal kernel 36. The poloidal currents 44, which generate theinternal toroidal field 46, also tend to stabilize the PMKconfiguration. The viscosity and pressure of the external fluidsurrounding the mantle of the PMK also provides a damping and volumeconstraining influence on any expansion or contraction of the kernelthrough magnetic coupling, thereby further tending to stabilize the PMKconfiguration.

The low particle pressure or nearly evacuated region 26 and the highmagnetic pressure near the torus within the PMK prevents the kernelcurrent from losing conductivity due to diffusion of current particles.As a result the kernel current may exist for a substantial period oftime during which its primary energy loss is through high temperatureradiation to the mantle 28. Naturally, the duration or life of thekernel current, and of the resulting PMK, varies greatly depending uponthe total energy and temperatures of the PMK, the pressure of thesurrounding gaseous atmosphere, the impurities in the atmosphere and thequality of the vacuum in the low pressure region 26 and plasmainstabilities.

From the foregoing it should be apparent that the PMK plasmaconfiguration does not have to depend on any external magnetic orelectric field for its existence. Rather, it is similar to a chargedbattery in that it is able to store or retain energy for a relativelysignificant period of time, depending upon the temperature, surroundingfluid pressure, and its initial energy content. However, further energycan be supplied to the PMK by compressing it mechanically with fluidpressure. In this regard it is noted that the charged particles formingthe ionized mantel 28 generally will not penetrate the intensivepoloidal field generated by the circulating current forming the kernel36. Thus physical fluid pressure can be exerted on the mantle 28 forcompressing the mantle. However compression of the mantle will act witha "lever-and-fulcrum" effect to force compression of the poloidal field,indicated by flux lines 34, and will result in increasing the energy andtemperature of the kernel. Accordingly the internal temperature andenergy of the PMK can be increased by applying mechanical fluid pressureto the exterior surfaces of the mantle 28. Considering the small size ofthe kernel plasma in respect to the mantle diameter, the dipole fieldwould fall off in the inverse cube of the radius. Correspondingly, it isnoted that if a gas or liquid is used to apply fluid pressure to themantle, particles will, of course, diffuse through and penetrate themantle. However these particles will becomes ionized as they are exposedto the intense short wavelength photons or neutrons; radiated by thekernel 36, and thus will, in effect, become portions of the mantle 28,and will thus be unable to penetrate the magnetic field within the PMKin large quantities. Thus the inherent internal energy of the PMK willprevent surrounding fluid medium molecues from penetrating into the lowpressure region 26, so that this region will maintain its near vacuumcondition.

Energy can also be supplied to the PMK by external electrical, magneticand electromagnetic fields, as will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Furthermore, external magnetic and electric fields can be used tophysically manipulate the PMK. Similarly, external fluid pressure andeven mechanical devices can be used to move or manipulate the PMK, sinceit behaves to some extent in the same manner as a semi rigid physicalbody in the sense of an ordinary soap bubble. Movement of the PMK bymechanical tools, such as a metal piston, for example, is possiblebecause of the image currents induced in the metal piston by radiationsand stray fields by the PMK, which will result in repulsion of the PMKbody.

An apparatus for forming the PMK according to the method describedhereinabove is illustrated schematically in FIG. 8. As shown, astructural shell 48 of generally oval cross section has the twoelectrodes 12 and 14, described above, mounted within its enclosedvolume. A transparent partition 50, which may be constructed of quartzfor example, may be used to separate the structural shell 48 into a PMKtriggering or ignition chamber 52 and an ionization energy chamber 54. Ahigh intensity helical flashlamp filament 56, which is coupled to asuitable power source 58, is shown mounted in the ionization energychamber 54. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thehigh intensity flashlamp 56 is merely representative of one of thevarious types of ionization energy sources which can be substituted forit. Similarly, the transparent partition 50, if one is used, isunderstood to be transparent to the type of energy generated by theenergy source selected for use in the ionization energy chamber 54. Asuitable reflecting surface 60 is formed or coated on an inner surfaceof the ionization energy chamber 54 to provide a means of focusing theenergy created by the high intensity flashlamp filament 56 (or anysuitable energy source) at a focal point or region 62 in the ignitionchamber 52. Alternatively, the partition 50 may be designed as a lens tofocus the ionization energy. The intense light radiation generated byignition of the flashlamp filament produces the desired helical ionizedpath in the atmosphere 10 of the ionization chamber 52. Thus by closingthe switch 22 at precisely the moment when the helical ionized path 20is fully formed by the focal point or region 62, a helical currentstroke 24 of the type illustrated in FIG. 2 is produced, resulting inthe formation of a PMK as described above.

The starting pressure of the atmosphere 10 within the structural shell48 is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 5.0 atmospheres.

The PMK plasma configuration can be formed with widely varying initialenergies and in a wide range of sizes. For a torus pressure of 870atmospheres and a mantle pressure of an atmosphere we would find thefollowing PMK mantle diameters, total magnetic energies, currents andtoroidal diameters respectively:

    ______________________________________                                        Mantle diameter (cm)                                                                         7       27      60       100                                   Energy (kiloJoules)                                                                          1.3     90      1000    6000                                   Current (Mega Amperes)                                                                       .26     .5      2.4       4                                    Torus diameter (cm)                                                                          4       6.5     9        13                                    ______________________________________                                    

The chief feature of this scheme is the ability to compress the kernelplasmas to heretofore unimaginable pressures by the application ofmoderate mechanical pressures to the mantle. The fields outside amagnetic dipole decrease as the inverse cube of its radial distance.This means the energy density or pressure falls off by the inverse sixthpower. This law does not hold for small distances, but for our purposesthe energy distribution would be (1/r³⁻.sup.ε ) where ε ≦ 1 and dependsupon the ratio of the mantle radius b to the major ring radius R. keyfactor which must generally be observed in forming the PMK, however, isa fast current rise time in order to create the evacuated region 26.Given this current rise time the voltage or energy input required toproduce the PMK will be determined primarily by well known physicalcharacteristics such as the pressure of the atmosphere 10, theresistance of the atmosphere, the inductance of the discharge channel,and the distance between the electrodes 12 and 14. Thus a small PMKhaving a diameter on the order of ten centimeters may be formed in asmall triggering chamber of from 20 to 100 cm in diameter with a totalenergy input of tens of kilojoules. Such a small, low energy PMK mayhave a lifetime on the order of 1 second, depending upon the preciseatmospheric conditions, including the pressure and type of gas used.

The initial energy for generating the PMK is obtained from conventionalhigh voltage sources, such as capacitor banks of the type now used inlightning simulating machines and various types of nuclear researchdevices. The exact temperature of the kernel naturally depends upon theenergy of the PMK, the particle density and atomic number, magneticpressure and many other factors. The mantle temperature similarly variesdepending upon the precise conditions under which the PMK is formed.However, the mantle temperature is significantly below the kerneltemperature. The kernel temperature for a large compressed PMK willsurpass the temperature required for nuclear fusion and the coolermantle will act as a radiation and magnetic shield between the kerneland the chamber walls.

A second method and apparatus for producing the PMK configuration isillustrated in FIG. 9. In the FIG. 9 embodiment a pressure vessel 64 isshown which may be equivalent to the triggering chamber 52 of FIG. 8.The configuration, structural material and pressure withstandingcapability of the pressure vessel 64 are dictated by the size and energyof the PMK to be produced, as will be apparent to those skilled in theart. A vacuum pump 66 is coupled through a suitable pressure valve 68 tothe interior of pressure vessel 64 for the purpose of evacuating it. Aconventional plasma or plasmoid generating gun 70 is mounted in asuitable aperture 72 in the wall of the pressure vessel 64. As is wellknown to those skilled in the art, the plasma gun 70 is capable ofgenerating and projecting plasmoids of any suitable configuration intothe interior of pressure vessel 64. In the apparatus of the presentinvention, the plasma generating gun 70 is preferably selected togenerate toroidal plasmoids, as illustrated schematically at 74. A highenergy coil or air core inductor 76 of generally cylindricalconfiguration is mounted to the walls of the pressure vessel 64, and isoriented such that its central aperture 78 is aligned with the plasmagun 70, so that the toroidal plasmoid 74 generated by the plasma gun 70will pass through the central aperture of the coil 76. A high energypower supply 80 is coupled through a suitable circuit breaker 82 to thehigh energy coil 76 for energizing the coil. The coil power supply 80 ispreferably a conventional high power supply of the type used forproducing intense magnetic fields in known nuclear fusion researchmachines. This coil (or it may be a plurality of coils) is soconstructed as to produce poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields toexcite the appropriate current modes in the kernel as describedpreviously in the preferred method. A plasma gun control 84 is coupledto the plasma gun 70 for initiating the generation of a plasmoid and itsexpulsion into the pressure vessel 64. The plasma gun control is alsocoupled to the coil circuit breaker 82 and to a diaphragm control 86 foractuating both of these devices. The diaphragm control 86 is in turncoupled to a plurality of gas pressure sources 88 located symmetricallyaround the inner surface of the pressure vessel 64. Each of the gaspressure sources is initially sealed by a frangible diaphragm 90. Thegas pressure sources 88 may be cylinders or containers of compressed gassealed by a diaphragm which is explosively destroyed in response toreceipt of an electrical ignition signal from the diaphragm control 86.Alternatively, the gas pressure sources may simply include quantities ofa suitable gas packaged in an explosive housing which is ignited by asignal from the diaphragm control 86. Naturally, numerous equivalenttypes of conventional fluid pressure sources can be used in lieu of thespecific structures described.

In operation, the pressure vessel 64 is initially evacuated by thevacuum pump 66. The high energy coil 76 is then energized by the coilpower supply 80 so that an intensive magnetic field is built up in thevicinity of the coil 76, and in particular in the region of the centralaperture 78. The plasma gun control 84 is then triggered to cause atoroidal plasmoid 74 to be generated and projected through the centralaperture 78 of the high energy coil 76. Alternatively, the high energycoil can be mounted inside the pressure vessel 64 opposite the plasmagun 70. The toroidal plasmoid would then be projected toward the centralaperture of the coil so as to be reflected therefrom with an absorptionof energy. The plasma gun control 84 is coupled to the coil circuitbreaker 82 to provide a timed circuit breaker signal so that the coilcircuit breaker is opened at precisely the instant during which thetoroidal plasmoid 74 passes through the central aperture 78.Alternately, the ionization of the toroidal plasma may be induced orenhanced by electromagnetic or particle beam means such as thosesuggested for purposes of ionization of the channel in the method ofFIG. 8 whereby projected ionizing energy forms a toroidal plasmoid inthe vicinity of aperture 78. It will of course, be appreciated that thehigh energy coil 76 is actually an air core inductor, and that thecentral aperture 78 is the air core of the inductor. Alternately, theinductor may contain a permeable core with a suitable air gap in thecore material to allow for the kernel formation near the space of thisgap. As the plasmoid 74 passes through the air core at the same instantthat the coil power supply circuit is broken, a large transfer ofmagnetic energy from the collapsing field of the coil 76 to the plasmoidwill take place. Thus the plasmoid 74 will emerge from the coil 76 witha greatly increased energy. As the plasmoid travels toward the center ofthe pressure vessel 64, a second appropriately timed signal from theplasma gun control 84 actuates the diaphragm control 86, causing theindividual diaphragms 90 to be explosively fractured so that a resultingshock wave front 92 is produced by high pressure gas escaping from thegas pressure sources 88. This shock wave front 92 surrounds and isionized by the radiations of the now highly energized toroidal plasmoid74, which has become a toroidal current loop kernel 36 of the typepreviously described. The ionized wave front 92 then becomes equivalentto the previously described mantle 28. As a result a PMK is formedwithin the pressure vessel 64.

Various modifications of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9 arepossible. For example, the coil 76 may be removed from the interior ofthe pressure vessel 64 once the PMK is formed, to prevent damage due tothe intense heat within the vessel. Furthermore, the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 8 may be combined with that illustrated in FIG. 9 tothe extent that the plasma gun 70 of FIG. 9 may be replaced by a highintensity flashlamp 56, or equivalent energy source, of the typedescribed with reference to FIG. 8. Thus the PMK could be formed in thevessel of FIG. 9 according to the method described with reference toFIG. 8. The gas pressure apparatus of FIG. 9 would then be used for thepurpose of compressing the PMK after it has already been formed toincrease the energy concentration in the plasma kernel 36.

Having described the general characteristics of the PMK and methods ofgenerating it in the previous material, emphasis will now be directed totechniques which utilize the unique properties of the PMK to producenuclear fusion. In particular, one of the most unique properties of thePMK is its capability of being compressed by a mechanical force such asfluid pressure. This characteristic permits the energy of the PMK to beincreased dramatically simply by the use of conventional and inexpensivemechanical or chemical energy sources, such as conventional hydraulictechniques and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an apparatus is illustrated in schematic formfor producing fusion energy using a PMK. The apparatus includes atriggering chamber 94, which can be equivalent to the triggering chamber52 of FIG. 8 or the pressure vessel 64 of FIG. 9. A pair of electrodes12 and 14 are illustrated in FIG. 10, and are equivalent to thoseillustrated in the apparatus of FIG. 8 for forming a PMK according tothe discharge method heretofore described. When this method of formingthe PMK is used, an apparatus for providing ionization energy of thetype illustrated in FIG. 8 must be provided. Although such an apparatusis not illustrated in FIG. 10, it will be understood that this apparatuscould easily be coupled to the triggering chamber 94 of FIG. 10.Alternatively, the electrodes 12 and 14 could be eliminated, and aplasma gun system of the type illustrated in FIG. 9 could be used togenerate the PMK. In this case, the control equipment and shock wavegenerating system illustrated in FIG. 9 would have to be added to thetriggering chamber 94 of FIG. 10. Thus a PMK can be initiated by anytechnique in the triggering chamber 94 of the apparatus of FIG. 10. Oncethe PMK is initiated, a fluid pressure system including a fluid pressuresource 96 which is regulated by a fluid pressure control 98, is used tocompress the PMK. More particularly, the fluid pressure source includesa supply of a suitable gas or liquid which is coupled through a pressureline 100 to a suitable plurality of pressure inputs 102 located aroundthe periphery of the ignition chamber 94. It will be understood, ofcourse, that a plurality of remote control valves (not shown) may beused to open or close the pressure inputs 102, if desired. A pressuresensor 104 is preferably located in a portion of the wall of thetriggering chamber 94 to provide a feedback indication to the fluidpressure control source 98 as to the actual pressure existing within thetriggering chamber 94. In operation, the PMK is first ignited and thefluid pressure within the ignition chamber 94 is subsequently increasedto compress the PMK to a suitable diameter. At this time a mechanicalapparatus or an electrical or magnetic field is used to physicallytransport the PMK into a furnace chamber 106 which is enclosed within afurnace housing 108 mounted to the triggering chamber 94. In FIG. 10 themeans for moving the PMK is illustrated as a piston 110 powered by apiston drive apparatus 112. The piston drive apparatus may be aconventional hydraulic unit, an explosive chamber, a combination ofhydraulic and explosive devices, or any other suitable power source. Anadditional pressure sensor (not shown) can also be provided in thefurnace chamber 106 to permit a pressure control system to be coupled tothe furnace chamber.

The piston 110 is used to move the PMK into the furnace 106, and canalso be used to further compress the PMK once it is within the furnacechamber. Alternatively, additional fluid pressure in the form of a gasor liquid of fusionable nuclei can be supplied from a fuel supply source114. A variable pressure source 116 can also be used to further increasethe pressure in the furnace chamber in conjunction with the action ofthe piston 106. An energy exchange apparatus 118 is coupled to the wallsof the furnace chamber 106 by means of a conduit 120 which can be usedto circulate a cooling fluid, such as liquid lithium, or any othersuitable reactor cooling fluid through a network of cooling passages inthe walls of the furnace chamber 106. Naturally, the art of energytransfer is highly developed, and any suitable prior art energy transferapparatus or system can be used in lieu of the device schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 10. Not having to cool within magnetic confinementcoils is a great advantage of this invention over tokomaks and similarlarge coil confined toruses.

The dimensions and construction of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10are dictated by the size and power output of the PMK desired.Accordingly, the apparatus illustrated in the FIG. 10 vary widely insize. However, the figures set forth earlier with regard to thestructure illustrated in FIG. 8 apply to the structure of FIG. 10, andalso to the structure of FIG. 9.

In the apparatus of FIG. 10 pressures of 1,000 atmospheres and more canbe obtained using conventional state of the art techniques. With suchincreases in pressure, the energy concentration of the PMK will increasedramatically, thereby substantially increasing the temperature anddensity of the PMK, and possibly its lifetime. If the initial size ofthe PMK is sufficiently large, the increase in pressure and decrease involume can easily result in an increase in the kernel plasma energy toproduct temperature above nuclear fusion temperatures, whereby fusionwill occur within the furnace chamber 106. For supplying a continuousoutput of fusion power, it is contemplated that a battery of devices ofthe type illustrated in FIG. 10 may be constructed and energizedsequentially. Thus each device will provide energy output as its PMKburns, and as the PMK burns out, subsequent ignition and furnaceapparatuses are energized to continue generating the output power.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9 the plasma gun can beremoved, and a toroidal plasmoid can be generated simply by the use of ahigh energy coil in the pressure of a preionized atmosphere of the typeillustrated in FIG. 9. With this modification, however, it is necessaryto provide an external field for moving the toroidal plasmoid from theair core of the coil 76 to an appropriate position near the center ofthe pressure vessel 64, so that the toroid will be symmetricallydisposed within the shock wave 92, when it is generated.

It is also important to note that in the embodiment of FIG. 8, and inthe previously described discharge method of generating the PMK, thatthe discharge between the electrodes 12 and 14 should occur at preciselythe instant of maximum ionization of the helical path 20. Thus suitabletiming and control equipment is preferably coupled between theionization power source 58 and the high voltage switch 22 so that thehigh voltage switch 22 is closed at an appropriate instant after theionization energy source is triggered.

Further, the method of FIG. 9 could be applied to the method of FIG. 8whereby an ion beam, gas, or plasma jet could produce the matter for thehelical discharge path in a heretofore evacuated chamber producing themantle by means of a fluid pressure wave. This wave may be pre-ionizedor pre-heated by electromagnetic wave or particle beam means in order toenhance the trapping of the magnetic fields associated with the formingring.

Furthermore, although the present invention is described with primaryemphasis on its utility as a technique for studying a unique plasmaconfiguration and for generating nuclear fusion energy, the presentinvention also has many additional uses. For example, the high energyPMK can be used as an extremely intense light source for the purpose ofpumping lasers, or for any other purpose. Similarly, the PMK can be usedas an intense electromagnetic heat source. In addition, the PMK can beused as a device for storing and transferring large quantities ofelectromagnetic energy which exist for brief intervals. In addition, thePMK can be used as a device for simulating other types of high energymagnetic and electromagnetic phenomena. Many additional uses of the PMKand the described methods and apparatus for generating it will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is noted that sustained fusion reactions can be maintained accordingto the method and apparatus of the present invention by proper selectionof fuel materials. Selection of the proper materials permits a smallquantity of raw fuel nuclei to continuously diffuse into the hightemperature plasma to maintain the fusion reaction.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the plasma gun 70 can be removed, and theaperture 72 sealed with a transparent partition of the type illustratedat 50 in FIG. 8. Thus an ionization energy source can be positionedoutside the pressure vessel 64 to convert the apparatus of FIG. 9 to thesame mode of operation as the apparatus of FIG. 8.

Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of thepresent invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It istherefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims,the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. An apparatus for producing and utilizing acompound plasma configuration comprising:means for containing saidcompound plasma configuration, power supply means for producing heliformcirculating currents in said containing means; and, a deformable mediumin said containing means for forming a mantle of ionized particlessubstantially confining external fields of said circulating currents. 2.An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein: said containing means includes apressure vessel.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein: said powersupply means includes a source of ionizing energy for producing aheliform ionized path in said gaseous medium.
 4. An apparatus as inclaim 2, wherein: said pressure vessel includes a transparent portionfor permitting ionizing energy to pass therethrogh into said gaseousmedium.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said power supply meansincludes:a pair of spaced electrodes positioned within said containingmeans in contact with said gaseous medium, a high voltage power sourcecoupled to said electrodes for producing a discharge current throughsaid gaseous medium; and, control means coupled to said high voltagepower source for controlling the initiation of said discharge current.6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:said gaseous medium is comprisedof an atmosphere of fusionable nuclei at an initial pressure of from 0.5to 5.0 atmosphere.
 7. An apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said powersupply means includes:air core inductor means, a power source coupled tosaid air core inductor for generating an intense magnetic field in saidcore of said air core inductor; and, control means coupled to said powersource for controlling the application of power to said air coreinductor.
 8. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:compressionchamber means coupled to and communicating with said containing meansfor withstanding high internal pressures; and, means for applyingintense fluid pressure within said compression chamber.
 9. An apparatusas in claim 8, further comprising:motive power means in said containingmeans for moving a PMK generated therein to said compression chamber.10. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:energy exchange meanscoupled to said containing means for removing energy therefrom.
 11. Anapparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:fluid pressure supply meanscoupled to said containing means for increasing the pressure therein.12. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said power supply meansincludes:inductor means, power source means coupled to said inductormeans for generating intense magnetic fields in a core of said inductor;and, control means coupled to said power source means for controllingthe application of power to said inductor.
 13. An apparatus as in claim12, further comprising:fluid pressure supply means for producing a fluidpressure wave front within said containing means.
 14. An apparatus as inclaim 13, wherein said fluid pressure supply means includes:a pluralityof fluid pressure sources disposed around an interior surface of saidcontaining means; and, control means coupled to said plurality of saidpressure sources and to said power supply means for coordinating theactuation thereof.
 15. An apparatus as in claim 1, furthercomprising:compression chamber means coupled to and communicating withsaid containing means for withstanding high internal pressures; and,means for applying intense pressure within said compression chamber. 16.An apparatus as in claim 15, further comprising:motive power means insaid containing means for moving a PMK generated therein to saidcompression chamber.
 17. An apparatus as in claim 1, furthercomprising:energy exchange means coupled to said containing means forremoving energy therefrom.
 18. An apparatus as in claim 1, furthercomprising:pressure supply means coupled to said containing means forincreasing the pressure therein.
 19. An apparatus as in claim 1, furthercomprising:heating means for heating matter components of said compoundplasma configuration.
 20. A method of producing a compound plasmaconfiguration in a containing medium comprising the steps of:generatinga toroidal plasma having an intensive current circulating therein insaid containing medium; forming a mantle of ionized particles aroundsaid toroidal plasma, wherein said step of forming includes the step ofproducing a pressure wave front surrounding said toroidal plasma.
 21. Amethod as in claim 20, wherein said step of generating further comprisesthe steps of:producing a heliform ionized path in said containingmedium; and, discharging a high potential along said ionized path.
 22. Amethod as in claim 20, wherein said step of generating further comprisesthe step of:producing a toroidal plasmoid; and, supplying a substantialquantity of magnetic energy to said toroidal plasmoid.
 23. A method asclaim 22, wherein said step of supplying further includes the stepsof:energizing an air core inductor; and, transferring the magneticenergy stored in said air core inductor to said toroidal plasmoid.
 24. Amethod as in claim 20, further comprising the step of:providing anatmosphere of a suitable gas in said containing medium prior to saidstep of generating.
 25. A method as in claim 20, further comprising thestep of:evacuating said containing medium prior to said step ofgenerating.
 26. A method as in claim 20, further comprising the stepof:applying fluid pressure external to said mantle.
 27. A method as inclaim 20, further comprising the step of:physically moving said compoundplasma from one position in said containing medium to another.
 28. Amethod as in claim 20, further comprising the step of:producing atrapped magnetic field forming a boundary between said toroidal plasmaand said mantle.
 29. A method of producing a compound plasmaconfiguration in a containing medium comprising the steps of:generatinga toroidal plasma having an intensive current circulating therein insaid containing medium; forming a mantle of ionized particles aroundsaid toroidal plasma; and, compressing said compound plasmaconfiguration to increase the temperature and density thereof.
 30. Anapparatus for producing and utilizing a compound plasma configurationcomprising:means for containing said compound plasma configuration,power supply means for producing a circulating toroidal current in saidcontaining means, said power supply means including air core inductormeans, a power source coupled to said air core inductor for generatingan intense magnetic field in said coure of said air core inductor andcontrol means coupled to said power source for controlling theapplication of power to said air core inductor; fluid pressure supplymeans for producing a fluid pressure shock wave front within saidcontaining means.
 31. An apparatus as in claim 30, wherein said fluidpressure supply means includes:a plurality of fluid pressure sourcesdisposed around an interior surface of said containing means; and,control means coupled to said plurality of fluid pressure sources and tosaid power supply means for coordinating the actuation thereof.
 32. Anapparatus as in claim 30, wherein:said containing means includes apressure vessel.
 33. An apparatus as in claim 30, furthercomprising:compression chamber means coupled to and communicating withsaid containing means for withstanding high internal pressures; and,means for applying intense fluid pressure within said compressionchamber.
 34. An apparatus as in claim 33, further comprising:motivepower means in said containing means for moving a PMK generated thereinto said compression chamber.
 35. An apparatus as in claim 30, furthercomprising:energy exchange means coupled to said containing means forremoving energy therefrom.
 36. An apparatus as in claim 30, furthercomprising:fluid pressure supply means coupled to said containing meansfor increasing the pressure therein.
 37. A method of producing acompound plasma in a containing medium comprising the stepsof:generating a plasma torus having intensive currents circulating insaid containing medium; generating a vacuum region surrounding saidplasma torus; and, forming a mantle of ionized particles substantiallyconfining the external magnetic fields of said ionized plasma torus. 38.A method as in claim 37, wherein said step of generating furthercomprises the steps of:producing a heliform ionized path andintensifying electrical currents in said ionized path; generating avacuum region around said heliform plasma currents; and, producing amantle for substantially trapping the external fields of said currentsin said containing medium.
 39. A method as in claim 37, wherein saidstep of generating further comprises the steps of:producing a toroidalplasmoid; and, supplying a substantial quantity of magnetic energy tosaid toroidal plasmoid.
 40. A method as in claim 39, wherein said stepof supplying further includes the steps of:energizing an inductor; and,transferring the magnetic energy stored in said inductor to saidtoroidal plasmoid.
 41. A method as in claim 37, wherein said step offorming includes the step of:producing a pressure wave front surroundingsaid plasma torus and its external magnetic fields.
 42. A method as inclaim 37, further comprising the step of:providing ionizable matter insaid containing medium prior to said step of generating.
 43. A method asin claim 37, further comprising the step of:evacuating said containingmedium prior to said step of generating.
 44. A method as in claim 37,further comprising the step of:applying pressure external to and actingupon said mantle.
 45. A method as in claim 37, further comprising thestep of:physically moving said compound plasma from one position in saidcontaining medium to another.
 46. A method as in claim 37, furthercomprising the step of:compressing said compound plasma to increase itsmagnetic energy and pressure in a manner which gives pressure leveragefrom the outer magnetic-matter pressure boundary to the inner magneticplasma boundary.
 47. A method as in claim 37, further comprising thestep of:compressing said compound plasma to increase the particletemperature and density thereof; and heating plasma torus by theapplication of electromagnetic waves.